Country-fried Cube Steak is a staple at family tables. This isn’t just any dish, but a golden brown, tender delight that is all comfort and tradition in a home-cooked meal. Known by many names, including country-fried steak and cubed steak, this Southern favorite has warmed hearts and filled bellies, becoming a symbol of ultimate comfort food.

What We Love About This Recipe

The golden brown crust achieved from frying in hot oil gives each bite a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.
This recipe’s flexibility allows for variations and substitutions, ensuring it caters to different tastes and dietary needs.
The homemade gravy, rich with pan drippings and seasoned to perfection, adds a comforting depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients

1 package of beef cubed steak with 3-4 steaks
1 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup seafood breader
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional ingredients for gravy: butter, all-purpose flour, chicken broth.

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Add the cubed steak and milk to a bowl and allow it to soak for 10-15 minutes. The milk should cover the cubed steak.
In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour and seafood breader. Mix together using a fork.
Add the vegetable oil to a cast iron skillet and let it heat for 5-8 minutes over medium-low heat.
Remove the steak from the milk and lay it flat on a plate. Add salt and pepper on both sides of each steak.
Add steaks, one by one, to the flour mixture. Evenly coat each side of the steak until completely covered.
Test the oil temperature by adding a pinch of flour to see if it bubbles. Once it is bubbling, you are ready to fry the steak.
Add the steaks to the oil and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the steaks are browned on the bottom.
While the steaks are cooking, prepare a paper towel-lined plate.
Flip the steaks using a fork or metal tongs and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes.
Remove the steaks and arrange them in a single layer on the plate. The paper towel layer will help absorb any excess oil.

To make the gravy, follow the instructions for homemade gravy.

Variations

Gravy Options: Switch between creamy country gravy and homemade brown gravy to keep things interesting.
Cooking Methods: Not a fan of frying? Try baking on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for less oil or even the air fryer for a crispy finish with minimal fuss. Be sure to check your air fryer manual for times and cooking temperature.

Tips for the Best Chicken Fried Steak

Use a heavy skillet to ensure even cooking and maintain the oil temperature.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches for the best results.
Let the breaded steak sit for a few minutes before frying; it helps the coating stick better.

Ingredient Substitutions

Milk Alternatives: Use buttermilk for a tangier taste or a little milk mixed with water if you’re in a pinch.
Flour Alternatives: Try almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version, though the texture may vary.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For reheating, a few minutes in a hot oven will bring back the crispiness, avoiding the microwave to keep the breading from getting soggy.

Dish Pairings

Southern buttermilk biscuits from Julia’s Simply Southern.
Mashed potatoes
Green beans
Collard greens
Jalapeño cornbread

The Secret Behind Delicious Meals

At the heart of making the perfect country-fried cube steak lies not just in the ingredients or the cooking method but in the love and care that goes into preparing each dish. Whether it’s your first time attempting this southern staple or you’re looking to perfect your technique, remember that each step, from adding the breading to achieving that golden brown crust in hot oil, is a step towards creating a dish that’s more than just food—it’s a memory, a tradition, and a taste of the southern way of life.

As a family favorite, country-fried cube steak embodies the spirit of southern cooking, bringing together the whole family over a hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying meal. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of the recipe, the promise of tender steaks, or the allure of homemade gravy, this dish will surely become a staple in your home.

country fried steak on a white plate with rice and gravy.

In the end, the journey to making the perfect country-fried cube steak is as much about embracing the process as it is about enjoying the final dish. It’s a reminder of the power of simple ingredients to create something truly special when combined with a little bit of knowledge, a lot of love, and a passion for good food. So, why not try it and see if it becomes your new family favorite? After all, isn’t discovering new favorites part of the fun of cooking?